St. Blaise

St. Blaise lived during the third and fourth centuries. It is believed that he was born into a noble family and raised as a Christian. He became a priest and then a bishop just before a new persecution of Christians began. It is believed that Blaise was martyred under the reign of Licinius. Blaise is known as the patron saint of wild animals because of his care for them and of those with throat ailments. His feast day is celebrated on February 3rd.